How would you discuss the worldviews and value systems of Indigenous peoples prior to European contact/invasion? How did these worldviews impact all aspects of life (science, agriculture, language, spirituality, etc.) for indigenous peoples?

The worldviews and value system of the indigenous people was highly based on religion and community centrism(Cruz 2012). Religion influenced the Indigenous peoples' entire lives, particularly their daily activities, sacrifices, geographic location and their calendars. Community centrism impacted major aspects of their lives such as their form of rule, and whether or not they became educated.
Unlike the western european custom of going to church and worshiping on sundays, their religious values were reflected in daily activities through religious reminders and spiritual thought. (Cruz 9/10/2012). Religion and worshiping was a huge and important aspect of their lives. For example, their means of obtaining food did not just consist of growing the food, but it also included the blessing of their soil and praying. Indigenous people made observations about growing food,which their lives depended on; and Shaman priests would bless the soil their food grows on(Covarrubias 8/27/1012). During ceremonies, time was taken out to pray and give thanks for corn, water etc (cruz 9/5/2012). Another crucial part of their worship was sacrifice. The Mechica made sacrifices or offerings to the gods which was usually in the form of a ceremony. These rituals were performed by high priests on sacred days. A chalchihuatl was a blood sacrifice which meant that an individual would die, offering their life and blood to the gods. They chose to sacrifice blood because blood is pure and untouched and was seen as the highest and purest form of giving back. Their reasoning was that since they take life from the sun and the earth, they have to give life back;